There have in recent weeks been a number of significant developments within government circles regarding the way forward in the aquaculture sector.

One of the most important developments has been the publication of the draft review of legislation and institutional arrangements governing aquaculture in South Africa. You can download it at http://www.thetilapiasite.co.za/file_list.php

I would like to encourage all of you to review the document and forward me your inputs at hunt4u@vodamail.co.za before close of business on Friday the 12th July. The association is presently preparing a response to the document and we welcome your views.

Please note at present this is just a draft document. It is also important to bear in mind that the document only contains recommendations. Therefore we cannot assume that these recommendations will become a reality.

As many of you are probably aware cabinet signed off on the National Aquaculture Policy Framework on the 16th of May this year. The review of the legislation and the outcomes thereof is currently being viewed as one of the first important steps, in terms of the policy, towards the establishment and development of a sustainable aquaculture sector.

Your input is therefore vital to ensure we get a legislative framework that will see the establishment of an equitable environment for aquaculture.